Selina Nnadede
Steve McCurry, "Kuwait"
1991
This image depicts one of the largest oil spills in history, in Kuwait, a country in the Middle East. As a result of the Persian Gulf War in 1991, approximately six million barrels of crude oil were intentionally hurled into the northern edge of the Persian Gulf by Saddam Hussein's Iraqi army. Anything that wasn't thrown into the water was set on fire. McCurry's picture shows a bird, drenched in crude oil, overlooking the horrific event that has obliterated what was once its habitat. The image captivates the decimation of the Persian Gulf as well as a forlorn and melancholy tone. The bird even gives off a
mournful and gloomy tone, which could sadden and intrigue the audience to want to understand what has happened. I really love this photograph because McCurry is known for his work that captivates human struggle and cultural conflicts, but this photograph shows that even animals can express the same feelings.
